Farewell by Emily Dickinson (1890)
The poem explores the theme of mortality and the afterlife, with the speaker describing a journey to an unknown destination where they will be reunited with loved ones who have passed away. The tone is contemplative and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on the nature of death and the possibility of an afterlife.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Existential · 152 words
First lines
Tie the strings to my life, my Lord, Then I am ready to go!
Just a look at the horses -- Rapid! That will do!
Put me in on the firmest side, So I shall never fall; For we must ride to the Judgment, And it's partly down hill.
But never I mind the bridges, And never I mind the sea; Held fast in everlasting race By my own choice and thee.
What this Textopian page supports
Farewell is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Existential, Philosophical
- Length: 152 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Farewell by Emily Dickinson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Farewell?
- How does this poem by Emily Dickinson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Parting by Emily Dickinson
- A Poor Torn Heart A Tattered Heart by Emily Dickinson
- Few Come This Way by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Summers Obsequies by Emily Dickinson
- Rain by Edward Thomas
- The Dying Need But Little Dear by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Spiritual — Themes of judgment, the afterlife, and a connection with a higher power are central to the text.
- Existential — Explores themes of life, death, and the individual's place in the universe.
- Philosophical — Reflects on the nature of existence and the transition from life to death.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · Death · Loss · Goodbye · Farewell · Emotional · Introspective · Philosophical · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery